a skulk of foxes

there must be something in the water on this side of town as Natalie from
a skulk of foxes is yet another Prep Mum and friend. That makes 3 crafty mums from Prep 2010.

I am sooooo excited Natalie is coming. I adore her pieces and have a few of my own.

Established in 2006, A Skulk of Foxes creative directors, Natalie and Andrew Cirillo are inspired by an eclectic mix of folk art, fables and forest animals. They draw on combined experience of over 20 years in the fashion and 3D animation industries to take an innovative if not unorthodox approach to the design and manufacture of their jewellery. All pieces are hand made in their studio in Geelong using sterling silver, acrylic and timber.
They look forward to releasing their brand new range for 2010/2011 at Piccadilly Market.

Market Raffle

Light me Up

I just love all the talent here in Geelong and right on my doorstep.
Stephanies daughter is in Prep with my son and I have had lots of people asking if she is coming to Piccadilly and I am happy to say that yes she is.

Stephanie Jean designs and makes these gorgeous lampshades.

She takes old, curvaceous lampshades and recovers them with an array of retro materials teamed with modern fabrics to create funky, colourful upcycled lampshades. Each shade is a one off piece, hand sewn and absolutely original. Steph also make cushion covers in the same style.

Art, Art on the wall.............

...........who is the loveliest of them all?

Prue Madden's Inspiration for her designs are taken from places she has been and things she has seen throughout 10 years of travels abroad. Objects, animals, places and patterns which hold so much beauty that for a moment, they take your breath away.

The stunning beauty of the Sakura cherry blossom blooms in Japan, the mesmerising patterns and intoxicating colours of Turkish rugs, the delicate pink of a lotus flower as its bloom opens for the first time. Fragments of beauty imposed onto earthenware tiles, bring a little of the world’s beauty into every room.





We can never have too much beauty surrounding us? Whats the most beautiful thing you have in your home?

I dont think I could choose just one but at the moment I am loving a black and white canvas that my brother gave me for my birthday of him, my Mum and I dancing in the rain in the Botanical Gardens a very long time. It evokes alot of lovely memories.

A&A Collections

A&A Collections was founded in 2005 by Annika Macvean and Anna Bryce. They have been working together for 5 years to bring classic and fashionable silver jewellery to Melbourne. All handcafted on the kitchen table they have managed to combine turkish tassels, hearts, gemstones and classic silver beads to build a collection of pieces that anyone would love.

They have brought out a range of luxurious rabbit fur products that I am loving a lot and looking forward to seeing on Sunday. Very stylish.

The Spotted Jinx

I love that I have so many super talented crafty friends and Helen is no exception. We hve known each other for quite some time and it is Helen who has taught me to quilt. More on that after the Market.

The Spotted Jinx is pleased to offer you a range of colourful and exciting pieces for kids and adults. Their distinctive colour themes are applied to clothing, quilts and other manchester, bags and more! All hand made here in Geelong.

Follow their blog to see what’s coming up.

Lili Lou Lou

Melanie from Lilli Lou Lou makes the most gorgeous little girls clothes. I very first met Melanie at a playground in Torquay many many years ago and she has been a regular stall holder at the Geelong Baby and Childrens Market so I am happy to have her come and show her goodies at Piccadilly as well.

Melanie is ADDICTED to buying fabric (join the club), there are so many clever designers out there who put out sensational ranges that Melanie says she always falls in love with and has to buy their designs, then once she has the fabric in her hands the creations start from there, picturing a little dress here and a little skirt there, She comes up with all the complimenting components to the items and all of the garments are designed by Melanie and are then made locally here in Torquay.

Let me introduce you to some more stallholders

Time is running out with only 8 days till Market Day so here are a few of my fabulous new stallholders.

Auntie Francie

“Auntie Francie” loves vintage materials -they add a character and charm to the range that new materials cannot match. Sourcing the linens, buttons and scarves is a constant treasure hunt and discovering a quirky linen or buttons and then giving them a new life as a unique cushion or a whimsical piece of jewellery is a great thrill! The use of crochet, sewing and knitting harks back to the days when we were taught these skills by our relatives such as mum, auntie or grandma – they add value to the product- it is handmade- not a throw away item rather something to keep and enjoy.





Benuu Enterprises

Benuu produce socially and environmentally responsible products and return a percentage of sales to their chosen charities. The inaugural range has two products: beautiful bamboo inspirational plaques and a series of inspirational greeting cards. They have designs in the pipeline for a journal, tote bag, inspirational tokens and pendant.

The designs embody and reflect the Benuu Spirit which is based on the legend of the Phoenix and shares the courage, strength, resilience, hope, wisdom and passion that we need to reach our potential in this modern world.




Run Around the Garden

Sally has two jewellery lines. One is made with silver, wood and resin and the other is paper, wood and resin. She creates each piece by hand. The silver and wood are cut individually by hand and the paper images are sourced from different areas. Some are designed by a member of her family, some are from decoupage paper and some are from different cool images

The pics below are from the paper, wood and resin range.



I am looking forward to seeing all that these wonderful artists will have on the day.

More breathtaking photos

words can not express how breathtaking these photos are. Simon Filip is only 19 years old and been taking photos for 2 years. They are so dreamy and magical. What amazing memories to have to celebrate an engagement. The tent is just divine.



to see more photos take a look here

Beautiful Childrens Photography

Most of my regular readers and friends know how much I love photography and photographing my children. Its capturing a moment in time and is a record of theirs an our existence. I love natural photos which is why I love the childrens shots by Adrienne from pixel tree Not all of us have the time, the 'eye' or the right camera to make magic happen and thats where Adrienne comes in.

After many years working as a multimedia producer, Adrienne Campbell decided to put down her mouse and start a family. But after her first baby arrived, she couldn't put down her camera. Eventually members of her mother's group asked her to take photos of their little ones too, and before she knew it, pixel tree had been born. Adrienne prefers to take photos of babies, children and families in the most comfortable environment possible... their own homes. She believes the most precious memories are made out of everyday-ness. There is no studio, no lights, no make-up. She would rather photograph children playing with mud pies under the apple tree, Vegemite faces and drooling babies. Adrienne believes a great photo album is filled with favourite dolls and boisterous dogs. To view a sample of her work, take a look at her site

Not only is Adrienne a fantastic photographer but also the person who designed by gorgeous and much commented on Piccadilly Logo. She took my simple hand drawings and turned them into something beautiful.

This next picture is my adorable cousin Poppy.





Make sure you stop by on the 1st of August and see Adriennes beautiful work. Adrienne will be offering on the spot photo sessions on the day and you can even take the pictures away with you the same day. The cost will be $25 for one 5x7 or two for $40. Sounds like a great deal to me.

Do you think you take enough photos of your children? Are you in your photos? Thats probably my biggest complaint, its like I dont exist in photos which is why I would love a photo shoot done.

Time for some mooch'n'around

Mooch’n Around make unique fabric embellished tops for ladies – Singlets, Tees & Long Sleeve tops. A limited number of tops are produced in any given fabric ensuring exclusivity...with fabrics sourced from Japan, London and France, along with a collection of fabrics, lace and trims inherited from Anna's grandmother's beautiful collection.

oh how I want thhe birdcage one.

Mooch’n Around are committed to proving a quality handmade product using superior and original materials, always striving to offer a diverse range of products.





Very happy to have some womens clothing this time.

As sweet as Apple Crumble

From Ballarat I would like to welcome Elaine from Apple Crumble Clothes. How totally adorable is that skirt with the big red bow? In consultation with her daughter and 2 daughters in law, who are the gurus on what little people like to wear a kids clothing business has been born. Elaine uses modern top quality patchwork fabric from overseas, designed by Amy Butler, Sandi Henderson, Anna Maria Horner and other well known American designers. She sews each garment herself – skirt, jackets, tops and dresses in Ballarat.Local and Australian Made is what we love. Prices are very reasonable.

......................and the boys are not forgotten. If I had a $1.oo for every person that said why isn't there more boys clothing I would be a rich woman. Elaine has some super cute boys options as well.






She does not have a website so Piccadilly is the place to come and see what she has on offer.

Take me to Venice

My gorgeous cousin Dee from deehay Designs who lives in the United States is coming out for her annual visit and is coming earlier especially to show her beautiful beads at Piccadilly.

Dee and I lived in Washington DC at the same time so have shared some great experiences and I am looking forward to seeing her.

Dee has had an addiction to venetian beads the same way I have an addiction to fabric. There came a day where she thought she should find a way to fund her obsession and deehay designs was born. She designs and sources Venetian beads straight from the source. Personally I think she has just found a way to justify a trip to Venice every now and then...ha ha

She has ready made pieces or can design something especially for you.

I have a beautiful blue pair of earrings that are so rich in colour.

Scarlett Tree

I am very happy that Mila from Scarlett Tree will be at Piccadilly Market next month. I first saw Milas beautiful childrens rooms decor when she was a stall holder at the Geelong Baby and Childrens Market which I have run for 5 years with my business partner Susan. Mila also featured in a great article in the GT that we had on Marketable Mums.

This butterfly mobile is simply divine and very feminine.



Mila also has a range of beautiful canvases in all sizes and colour themes.


as well as a range of little aprons.



Lots of lovely things to drool over.

More Vintage Caravan Happiness

My regular readers may have read my vintage caravan posting a while back. This morning at multiple birth playgroup I saw one of the little boys playing with this gorgeous toy, it even had teeny weeny table and chairs inside it.



I got home and squealed with delight when I saw todays etsy posting. I want them all.


Check out the shop here

Moxie Doll has lots of cool retro goodies like this one.



how wonderfully cute is this pendant from silent goddess



The Mayberry Sparrow has this little goodie and so many other great stamps



and finally Zen Threads have some super cool t shirts including this one


Someone told me recently I am hard to buy for...seriously!!!! Not anymore...